Husain's film withdrawn from screening at IFFI 2008

Panaji, Nov 25 (UNI) M F Husain's short film, ''Through the Eyes of Painter'', which was to be screened today at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2008, has been deferred after the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti protested against the screening.

''The screening of M F Husain's short film has been deferred owing to the protest. The screening was not part of the IFFI but was only part of the Film Division's Framing Time section,'' Directorate of Festivals Director S M Khan told UNI.

''Some organisations in Goa had sent a letter to Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat against screening the short film and threatened to stage demonstrations at the venue. The Chief Minister had requested to stop the screening of the film. Based on his request, the Films Division has decided to defer the screening,'' he said.

It would not be pleasant to have demonstrations and protests outside the venue, which would only sent a bad impression of the film festival, Mr Khan added.

He also said there was no objection to the film but the ''only objection was to the name Husain''.

Husain's film, ''Through the Eyes of a Painter'' has been shown at many International places and has won accolades.

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